MSC 69/3/1
ANNEX
4.1.3 Each rescue co-ordination centre and rescue
sub-centre shall have detailed plans of operation for the
conduct of search and rescue operations. Where appropriate,
these plans shall be developed jointly with the
representatives of those who may assist in providing, or who
may benefit from, the search and rescue services.
4.1.4 Rescue co-ordination centres or sub-centres shall
be kept informed of the state of preparedness of search and
rescue units.
4.2 Information concerning emergencies
4.2.1 Parties, either individually or in co-operation
with other States shall ensure that they are capable on a
24-hour basis of promptly and reliably receiving distress
alerts from equipment used for this purpose within their
search and rescue regions. Any alerting post receiving a
distress alert shall:
.1 immediately relay the alert to the
appropriate rescue co-ordination centre or sub-centre,
and then assist with search and rescue communications as
appropriate; and
.2 if practicable acknowledge the alert.
4.2.2 Parties shall, where appropriate, ensure that
effective arrangements are in place for the registration of
communication equipment and for responding to emergencies, to
enable any rescue co-ordination centre or sub-centre to
access pertinent registration information quickly.
4.2.3 Any authority or element of the search and rescue
service having reason to believe that a person, vessel or
other craft is in a state of emergency shall forward as soon
as possible all available information to the rescue
co-ordination centre or rescue sub-centre concemed.
4.2.4 Rescue co-ordination centres and rescue
sub-centres shall, immediately upon receipt of information
concerning a person, vessel, or other craft in a state of
emergency, evaluate such information and determine the phase
of emergency in accordance with paragraph 4.4, and the extent
of operations required.
4.3 Initial action
Any search and rescue unit receiving information of a
distress incident shall initially take immediate action if in
the position to assist and shall, in any case without delay,
notify the rescue co-ordination centre or rescue sub centre
in whose area the incident has occurred.
4.4 Emergency phases
To assist in determining the appropriate operating
procedures, the following emergency phases shall be
distinguished by the rescue co-ordination centre or
sub-centre concerned:
.1 Uncertainty phase:
.1.1 when a person has been reported as
missing, or a vessel or other craft is overdue; or
.1.2 when a person, a vessel or other craft
has failed to make an expected position or safety report.
